Basic Bow Types

The Basic Longbow

The Longbow is the most basic of bows.
The English Longbow is pictured at left.
The shape is unchanged from its invention approx. 9,000 - 6,000 B.C.
It is shaped from one piece of timber and the grip is usually made with a strip of leather bound around the bow.
A small shelf is cut into the side of the bow for the arrow to rest on.
There is no bow sight attached.
Shooting is done by aiming with the tip of the arrow at full draw.
The point of aim will vary with the distance away from the target.

The Basic Recurve Bow

Recurve bows range in length from 1220mm (48 inches) to 1780mm (70 inches).
Most target bows will average about 1675mm (66 inches) in length.
As a rough guide to choose the length of a bow to suit you, a person with a draw length of less than 710mm (28 inches) could use a bow between 1575mm-1675mm (62 - 66 inches) and a person with a draw length of more than 710mm (28 inches) could use a bow between 1575mm-1780mm (66-70 inches).
The draw weight of the bow is usually written on the back of the lower limb.
The weight is noted in pounds (lbs) at a draw length of 710mm (28 inches),
e.g. #20 @ 28
which means at a full draw of 28 inches the force required to hold the bowstring at this length will be 20 pounds (approx. 9 kilograms).
Bows for beginners should have a draw weight between 15-20 lbs. for the kids and between 20-25 lbs. for the adults.
Most basic recurve bows are made from laminated timber usually with a clear finish on the riser and the limbs having a layer of fibreglass applied each side for strength.
The types of timber used in the riser can vary, giving a multi-coloured appearance.
The bow shown in the picture on the left is a one-piece bow.
There is another type called a "Take-Down Recurve" which has a pocket at the top and bottom of the riser for the limbs to bolt into.
This type of bow can be dismantled for ease of transport. The limbs, being seperate, can be replaced by limbs that may be slightly stronger or lighter.

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The Basic Compound Bow

Compound bows can vary in length from 840mm to 1220mm (33 to 48 inches) measured from axle to axle. (Hunting model pictured at left.)
The smaller lengths are for juniors and the larger lengths are for adults.
The riser is usually made from aluminium alloy for strength. The limbs are fitted with an eccentric wheel. (The axle is off-set from the centre of the wheel.)
The bowstring is attached to 'tear-drops' at the ends of the plastic-coated steel cables, with the cables fitted from top to bottom wheels. The cable guard holds the cables off to one side for the arrow and fletch clearance.
The draw weight of a compound bow is usually adjustable within a 7 kilogram (15 lbs.) range by turning the adjustment bolts in the limbs.
The compound bow has a peak draw weight and a let-off percentage. For example, the peak draw weight for a particular bow could be 14kgs. (30lbs) with a let-off of 50%. This means that the maximum draw weight of 14kgs. will occur at approx. 3/4 of the draw length and as the eccentric wheels roll over, the lever effect will give a 50% less weight at full draw. So at full draw, the archer will be holding a draw weight of only 7 kg's. (15lbs.)
This type of bow is becoming more popular, as the archer is able to use a stronger bow with less effort.

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See next Page for Arrows and Accessories

This page last revised : 22 June 2008